It's almost here!
There’s so much happening behind the scenes here at Sew Orthodox as I make the final preparations for launch, and I can’t wait to share more with you very soon! Whether you've been stitching for years or are just dreaming of picking up a needle for the first time, I’m busy creating thoughtful patterns for both beginners and experienced embroiderers alike.
No matter which Orthodox Church you worship in - Greek, Ukrainian, Serbian, Russian, Antiochian, or any of the many beautiful jurisdictions around the world - there will be Saints, symbols, and traditional styles to suit your unique faith tradition and aesthetic. And if you’re not Orthodox but are drawn to beautiful designs featuring Scripture, ancient prayers, and folk-inspired motifs, you are warmly welcome here too.
I grew up Protestant, spent many years as a Ukrainian Greek Catholic, and eventually came home to Holy Orthodoxy through the Greek Orthodox Church here in Australia. I now live in a small country town in South Gippsland, Victoria, where I’m blessed to worship at both Greek and Antiochian parishes nearby. I love how the Orthodox Church gathers so many cultures into one faith — and that’s reflected in the embroidery, mosaics, icons, and carvings that inspire my work.
My creative journey began in 1980 when my dear mother taught me to knit at the age of four. Just a few years later, I sewed my first dress - and I’ve been creating ever since! While I’ve tried many handcrafts over the years, sewing and embroidery remain my greatest loves. I’ve previously run a little business upcycling vintage embroidered linens, and in my day job I’m surrounded by glorious hand-dyed threads, which inspire many of my own designs.
Now, I’m taking the leap to share those designs with you - patterns inspired by Scripture, Saints, and Orthodox tradition, made for the domestic church and for creating thoughtful, faith-filled gifts. Whether it’s something for your icon corner, a name day gift for a godchild, or a small project to bless your priest or presbytera, I hope to offer designs that bring prayer and beauty into everyday life.
If your creative appetite is stirred and you’d like to join me on this journey, I’d love for you to subscribe to my email newsletter below. You’ll be the first to hear about the official launch, new patterns, special offers, and exclusive discount codes.
I can’t wait to share what’s coming - and I’d love to hear from you too! Feel free to say hello via the contact form, and let me know what sorts of patterns you’d love to see.
Stitching threads of faith,
Fanouria
